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aicosu · 16 days ago

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Hey, just saw your post about Veilguard - do you mind me asking what it is that put you off? Thanks!

I can start by saying I've not played it. I'm not going to at this point. But basically, every cutscene and dialogue option and plot point I've watched. And for those of you that don't remember I was hugely critical of Inquisition despite my love for it. And I downright hated Trespasser. So this shouldnt be shocking.

And its a lot of stuff I dont like. I can make a short list of major things below, obvious spoilers.

Please dont read this if it will make you angry okay? This is a lot of angry ranting.

1. I said this with inquisition and trespassers but veilguard seals my hatred for the decision to center the entire plot of ripping apart the dalish culture and religion. I'm sorry I just don't think this is compelling. It's icky to create an oppressed and marginalized race with parallels to most indigenous cultures in the real world, and basically call them wrong and stupid for clinging to their culture and history. I don't care that validating the Enuvanris existance means also invalidating the maker and the tevinter reiligions too, or even the dwarven: the game centers this narrative on the DALISH. The entire implication that its their fault all along or they sold themselves into a cult and slavery is gross. The game could have easily done this but centered it around the Maker. Andraste as the blight corrupted crazy deity or spirit whatever the fuck. Makes more sense with how much Chantry has been shoved down our throats since origins, and given how much wider spread it is after literal genocides of the dalish, qun, etc it would just mean a lot more to target the oppressors/majority religion directly. And look listen, I'm a pretty hardcore athiest and even anti thiest. I hate all religions, I find stories about dismantling religion compelling but to couch it histories of marginalized people like... its just not great. Not to mention twisting their gods into systematic greedy people or shoving their "bestest god" into a human woman and trying to make her prostheltize at me. I don't like it!

2. I get why old decisions dont matter. The world is too big, sure. I dont mind that at all, actually, even with all the problems, it gives people invested in those choices. Im happy to accept it. But then... make the actual plot less beholden to it. Why bring in cameos at all, then? Fuck man set it 50 or 80 years later. But if you cant cause everyone wants closure in the DA fandom then give us closure. If not personal closure with wardens and hawkes and etc cause its all too variant — lore closure. We arent going to talk about how darkspawn were thinking and talking? Blight was always just a random elvhen weapon? What apparent the tevinter magisters then? What about the architect? What about the idea of darkspawn becoming their own race and culture? What about the old gods themselves they were just always enuvanris? How do magisters actually feel about that? Why did those who worshipped corypheous or the black church follow Elvhen gods, their most oppressed and hated enemy aside from the qunari?

Speaking of, what about all of us who wanted to confront Minrathous and Tevine for the atrocities we've built up about it for 3 games. Slavery? Off screen solved before we get there? Dorian fixed it all? I had a heated debate with Dorian about him saying how slavery wasnt all that bad "They like being slaves!" And so many conversations with Fenris about how horrible it is. Rape and murder and submission? We don't as players get to finally confront that?

How about red lyrium being sentient. How about it being a tool the elvhen then used to murder titans, but not its alive and unstoppable? How can anything be unblighted? Because plot?

What of the calling? What of it really? What of those in The Calling who were unblighted? nothing?

Not even a deep conversation about the murky ethics of liberation/slavery when it comes to the Antivan crows stealing children? I'm to forget that?

How about anything all to do with the Qun? How about that burnt in memory I have of Saarabas immolating himself in service to not just the system of his culture but his belief in his faith. We're writing him off as a terrorist and not as an example of the Qun? Lets be really real; they have been retconning the Qun every game till now them being a fully gender and sexual accepting society.

How about the changes of mages vs templars if and maybe they walk free now? As if that entire conflict wasnt the brewing boiling point for three games?

What about the elvhen rebellion they so rightly started after centuries or murder and racism? Can we stop pretending that rebellion isnt an act of violence and has to be? Can we stop erasing the idea that systemical upheavel can be anything other than radical? Hello? Anders is one the phone asking for you?

How about that ending, the veil isn't even torn? Spirits don't walk the earth as intended. Why not solas' plan? Why not restore order. Why not join or dissuade him as he asked us to in trespasser?

It just all feels washed off, Thedas. I'm allowed to be angry and upset that they spanned all of these topics and asked me to engage with them on a deep ethical and moral grounds only to never mention them again. I dont think making your player base feel stupid for caring is great.

3. On personal levels, Solas has been ooc since trepasser. And frankly, the explanation of his relationship with Mythal is disgusting. Made the first slave and turned from his true nature into a tool of war—and reaffirming his subservance by making it that only Mythal could stop him? How is that not a toxic dynamic, and they fram it as loving and romantic? Imagine them trying that Fenris who can only be talked down by Danerous. Come on. It should have been Lavellan — or it really should have been not at all. Let him. The devs want to destory Thedas and start over? Let solas reset time and recreate the earth and tear is all down and erase most of the history. Do it you cowards. Give me an unrecognizable DA5 where spirits and mages rule and the elvhen thrive and war with each other. Give me slaved humans and a topsy turvy all that changes remains the same reality. Why not if you want to illuminti titan everything anyway.

4. I dont believe in the veilguard, I should have a choice not to. I should have a reason to care about it or my companions or fewl some sort of reason we must all work together aside from "theyre adorable". All the other games you had companion parties in organic and believable ways. Rook is leader cause.... ? What if I dont want to be? At least my Dalish inquisitor fought tooth and nail not to be called a christian messiah. Hawke had FRIENDS. And the warden found those who knew what a blight meant. And many of all of us disagreed. Vivianne got not sympathy from me. Why should Neve? Fenris will leave your party if you waste your time when the Magister comes to town. I dont want to coddle Harding about her stupid chantry. I do not to talk to Lucanis happily about the crows. Maybe I dont want to be friendly all the time. Maybe I hate everything Bellara is doing. Or taash.

5. The writing was on the wall in inquistion hoenestly. What with Iron bull letting me decide is he mass murders his found family or not. But jesus these new companions are like 10 yrs old. I don't know you decide. Your a fucking adult. I cant take a single one of them seriously. Even Sera screamed and yelled at me if I challenged her. Solas and I almost broke up mutiple times arguing about tradition and purpose or that damn Mythal well (again and no wonder he would object to doing anything akin to being emslaved by her, only to submit himself in this game. As if the well mattered at all. As if morrigan matters at all.) I just don't feel as though I'm bonding with anyone, I'm babysitting. Im being told what a great person I am that I can teach everyone elementary school behaviorial learning. I dont want to, I dont even want to be "good".

6. Petty stuff:

I hate the art style both in the UI and the models. I hate it. And the expressions are so poor compared even to Da2.

I hate all the armors. Everyone is bulky. Hate it.

Ugly combat.

Cant control or walk around as my companions and try out other classes.

CC cant change eyes or facial structure much so all rooks heads look the same and kinda... everyone looks like a dwarf. Sorry. Imo, imo, every rook I have seen looks like a dwarf.

Dont like the music.

Dragons are ugly.

Morrigans outfit makes it look like she has 4 titties.

I hate this elvhen "steampunk" tech when so much of their magic was shown to be earthen and mystic. Dumb. No explanation as why it would become this way it just is now.

Blood magic erasure cause the devs are scared of us being cool I guess.

I hate the humor. Every joke doesnt land for me. And there are simply too many.

#in the long run i just think they dropped the ball #the romances arent steamy #the coversations are dull #the politics are akin to a 6th grade civis class

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fireskarr · 1 year ago

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GW2 Unused dialogue: Flirty lines?

So here's a fun one ;)

During my deep dive into the Living World S1 related dialogue lines in the game, I stumbled across a flirty line from Jory that I hadn't heard before. I didn't think much of it at the time, since several of her regular lines are rather flirty. But then I found one for Braham. And then Rox. And then I started to pay attention.

For most characters, there are blocks of what I like to call 'generic' lines. These blocks tend to be separate from the story-specific lines and ambient conversations, and include things like event-related chatter (let's go, follow me, go on ahead, etc), greetings, yes/no, calls for help, battle cries, etc. And I noticed some of the "thank you"/gratitude lines were almost always preceded by some kind of flirty line (and a few aren't, it's kinda messy haha). So I ran through all the other characters and pulled what I could find.

Not all named characters seem to have these though, and I might have missed one or two that weren't obviously flirty. There's also a chance that some of these are part of ambient conversations I'm not aware of, but most ambient conversations tend to be separate, so I dunno. Like I said; kinda messy.

I've separated them into two groups: Named NPCs and un-named NPCs

Marjory Delaqua: "Mmm, mm, mmm. You can walk into my bar any old time." Braham: "You'd look great in a bear skin." Rox: "I like you almost as much as meat!" Magnus the Bloody Handed: "You look like a kindred spirit. You like winter sports?" Evon Gnashblade: "You like gold? Jewels? I bet you do." Vorpp: "Hello beautiful. Are there anymore at home like you?" Scarlet Briar: "Hello, you're pretty cute. For a drone." Captain Mai Trin: "Do you have what it takes to be my First Mate?" Magister Tassi: "What do you say? You, me, a little romantic stroll through the library, hmm?" Mad King Thorn: "Heey! How would you like to be queen for a day?" Bloody Prince Thorn: "Mmm, you're as luscious as blood in the moonlight."

Lionguard 1: "Hey, good lookin'." Lionguard 2: "My shift's about to end, how about a drink?" Aetherblade 1: "Hey baby, wanna ride on an airship?" Aetherblade 2: "I'm all business. But I'm all pleasure too." Aetherblade 3: "Hey there, hot stuff." Zephyrite 1: "I feel a spark between us." Zephyrite 2: "You outshine the sun." Zephyrite 3: "Did I see a glint in your eye?" Zephyrite 4: "I feel balanced, now that you're here."

#gw2 #guild wars 2 #gw2 unused dialogue #marjory delaqua #braham eirsson #rox #scarlet briar #mai trin #mad king thorn #bloody prince thorn #magister tassi #vorpp #aetherblades #zephyrites

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afkhowstrange · 1 month ago

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My Merlin’s lore and afkj headcanons

THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!!

English isn’t my first language, i can’t write a decent story so i’m gonna yap the hell out of her lore:

- She goes by Rose since it was the only thing remained in her head the moment she woke up with severe memory loss or rather wiped.

- Thank god Merlin aka the not-yet-amnesiac-Rose left her a note filled with rules:

Dura’s orders and these following rules are the utmost things you should obey

1. If encounter a hypofiend, kill on sight

2. Keep moving forward, there’s no point of looking at your past

3. Help those who are in need if possible

4. Enjoy your new life, live to your heart’s content

5. Treat those you consider friends generously

6. Be well prepared for what’s to come, believe in yourself

Supreme Magister Merlin, Rose.

Rose was very skeptical of this note but later on, no one seemed to understand the language written on the note so it’s real legit she thinks.

- Merlin also left her infinite scroll filled with spells, incantations, hexes, jinxes and curses in alphabetical order, in a language only she could read of course. The only difficulty was to learn them all over again.

- The time when Rose goes into avatar state was actually Dura protecting her.

- Hammie helped Rose a lot with how to use magic. The little familiars were shocked and uneased that their master lost her memories all of a sudden, but as time goes by, they got used to the new magister eventually. The fact that the iconic traits of their master is still there, helped them feel at ease.

- Can’t say the same with Rose though, girl got existential crisis and impostor syndrome after finding out her magic (aside from the spells that Dura blessed her) is weak as hell compared to the great magister Merlin that Hogan and Mirael knew.

- She burned her ass out later on, learing spells, training in combat with Chippy, trying to reach people’s expectations of the great Merlin, if people find out their protector, Dura’s chosen one is a wimp, they’ll lose their faith.

Now, onto my headcanons of afkj’s lore

These multiple people holding out to the swords isn’t Merlin, they’re the fallen god’s Chosen ones.

I think these lines explained it well. Gosh i love Waves of intrigue.

Multiple heroes wielding swords, only one holding a torch, that’s our Magister Merlin!

If you’re sad that our Merlin doesn’t have a sword, worry not, they got a pretty sick one right here 👇 keep in mind that Phraesto is 205cm tall and this sword is longggg

And that’s it, thank you for reading, there’s more about Rose and her past rocking in the Inmortal war but that’s for another day, my phone is lagging as i was writing these words :,(

Here have some art! …yeah i isekai-ed my oc to Esperia to be Merlin so that’s why she got that hairstyle.

#afk journey #afk journey oc #afk journey merlin #rose #strange oc #Afkj oc

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bunnybird-afk · 9 days ago

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Questions about your Magister (now with +5 more questions🤣):

1. So what's his connection to the Maulers/ Dusk Lord anyway?

2. Does he have a love interest?

3. Is he a Mauler..?

4. If so what abilities or powers does he have?

5. Also like I'm 89% sure it's cannon, but what's his connection to Dura?

6. Does he have a specific magic he uses?

7. Who are his parents?

8. Where did he come from?

9. What's his opinion on holding the title "Merlin"?

10. What's personality?

11. Is he rich...?

12. What's his worst fear?

13. Does he hate any in-game characters?

14. Does he have hobbies?

15. What type of people does he get along with?

Thank you so much for this ask! I am so excited to ramble on about Sena! I have been cooking up his lore for almost a month now but haven't been able to put it together coherently so this really helps!

Warning: Long Post

Some brief background:

Sena is a former 'god' of Esperia, though he technically hasn't held an official place in the pantheon since long before the Divine War, having asked for his name to be struck from the records for certain reasons. While he retained much of his original power at first, his divine core was shattered by Ygdris during the Immortal War, leading to Sena being absorbed into the leylines to rest and heal until the war was over. Afterwards, he awakens with no memories, helps Esperia with its troubles and then returns to the leylines when his life force is depleted. This cycle repeats itself a total of three times so far, with the most recent being the in-game canon.

1) Sena's connection to the Dusk Lord/the Maulers?

While most Esperian's might consider it blasphemous, the Age of the Gods wasn't nearly as prosperous or perfect as one might think. Being a fledgling god who didn't yet have his own title, Sena was often looked down upon by some of the less benevolent deities in Esperia's pantheon (most of whom have been long forgotten).

The Dusk Lord was one of the few gods who viewed Sena as what he was at the time, a child in need of guidance. Thus the Dusk Lord took him under his wing, taught him about Esperia and what it meant to be a god. Even taught him how to fight should the need arise.

Through the Dusk Lord, Sena met the Maulers. The first mortals that Sena ever encountered. The first people Sena ever met. The Dusk Lord taught Sena about his people and about their cultures, telling the godling that his wish was for his people to be strong. To be tenacious so that they could handle the harsh realities of the world even without his guidance.

While the Dusk Lord tried to teach Sena how to be a god, Sena immersed himself in the culture and community around him and instead learnt something far more important. How to be a person.

2) Sena's love interest(s)?

While Sena has had partners over the eons, there where very few instances he could point to that he'd consider love. The first of these instances was a mage by the name of Merlin, the first mage to ever exist in Esperia. Merlin was gentle and compassionate and selfless, and Sena found himself inexplicably drawn to them. They were perfect. But they were mortal... After they passed, Sena took up the title of 'Merlin' as a way to remember them and to continue their mission of protecting and helping Esperia.

During the Immortal War, Sena fought side-by-side with the Celestials, wanting to safeguard Esperia's people from the threat of the Hypogeans. During this time, Sena grew close to Dionel, and while the two may have shared a few tender moments and had occasionally found comfort in each other's arms, they soon realized that their feelings for each other were more platonic than romantic. To this day, Sena considers Dionel his closest friend, and it would seem as though the feeling is mutual.

After losing his memories the second time, Sena wakes up near Holistone and soon meets Hogan who was still a young recruit in the Lightbearer army. Having no memory of his own past and believing himself a mortal, Sena ends up working closely with Hogan and eventually feelings start to bloom between the two (despite a rocky start). Over the next decade or so, Sena and Hogan grow closer and closer, and though they make their affections for each other obvious, the word 'love' remains unspoken. Things between the two 'end' when Hogan gets called to duty, asked to serve the Lightbearer Empire in some scuffles that had broken out with the Maulers near the border to the Ashen Wastes. Hogan asks Sena to come with him, using the excuse that they could use the help of a mage like him. Sena asks Hogan to stay, knowing that he might not make it back alive. They both decline out of a sense of duty, though those feelings continue to linger. To the point where Sena returns to Holistone after the war to wait for Hogan having heard news of his return, though Sena is resting in the leylines again before they can be reunited. (Though, Sena has accidentally acquired an adopted son during his time back at Holistone, one that would soon go on to cause Hogan no shortage of trouble).

3) Is Sena a Mauler?

Not in the traditional sense. Sena's divine form was an almagamation of the different factions, though he doesn't inherently belong to any given one. During his time wandering Esperia, he tends to try to fit in with the people around him, hence him taking on more Mauler like characteristics when in the Ashen Wastes and more Wilder characterstics when in the Dark Forest. Though considering the Dusk Lords words and Sena's own feelings about the Ashen Wastes, in his heart Sena is more of a Mauler than he is any other faction.

4) Sena's Abilities/Powers?

While Sena has the standard Merlin abilities we see in game, he also has a few innate abilities that stuck around from when he was still a god. This includes Sena coming across as very amicable and persuasive, and on rare occasions being able to tap into his Divine Authority. Overall, Sena also exudes an air of comfort, making others around him feel at ease even in the toughest of times.

5) Sena's connection with Dura?

Like the Dusk Lord, Dura was on of the few gods who didn't completely disregard Sena's existence. Though while the Dusk Lord viewed Sena's naivety as something he needed time and help growing out of, Dura viewed it as a reason why Sena needed to be protected and nurtured. In a sense she was another one of Sena's mentors growing up. While the Dusk Lord taught him to be strong, resilient and tenacious, Dura had taught him to be gentle, caring and compassionate. And unlike most of the other gods, Dura seemed to genuinely love her people, wanting to protect them and nurture them, ensuring that they thrived and prospered. And at the end of the day, Sena wanted to help her fulfill that desire though it would be centuries until he could actually be of any assistance to her.

6) Sena's Magic?

Sena's magic is derived directly from the leylines themselves, allowing him to use magic in its purest form, though without his divinity this tends to take an immense toll on him should he overexert himself. Apart from that, Sena has a form of charmspeak that allows him to compell the truth from others, and often persuade them into doing certain things, though he often forgets this ability in his amnesia only to remember it later, though even then he uses it sparingly, not liking the feeling of influencing others free will.

7/8) Who are his Parents/Where did he come from?

Being a former god, Sena doesn't really have parents. Like most gods, he simply awoke one day in the Realm of the Gods, born of a concept that had become prominent enough to warrant having its own deity. Though unlike most gods, Sena had no clue what he was the god of at first, not feeling any real affinity for anything present in the Realm of the Gods.

So in that sense, Sena didn't really have parents. In fact he didn't really understand the concept until almost a millenium later, watching as Mauler father excitedly scooped his cub into a hug after their first steps. Sen had found it heartwarming though still unrelatable.

Though if Sena were to think about it now (once he has his memories back atleast), if anyone had been a father to him, it would have been the Dusk Lord. And well, Dura had always called him her child, even if she hadn't really meant it in the familial sense (though Sena found himself secretly hoping that she did).

9) Sena's opinion on being Merlin?

While the title had started as a way for him to honour somone he cared for, it's since then grown to represent so much more to him. To Sena, being Merlin means shouldering the responsibility for Esperia's well-being. Not just dealing with big threats, but also caring for the Esperian people on a personal level. It represents the wishes of all those who loved him, and now his own wishes too. Afterall, it's his responsibility as Esperia's last living god.

10) Sena's personality?

Growing up Sena had been well-meaning and quiet sharp, though it was usually hidden behind his jovial demeanor. Even back then, however, Sena had a touch of recklessness and anarchy to him that caused Dura no shortage of concern (and the Dusk Lord no shortage of amusement). And though he eventually matured and grew more calm and measured, his charming personality and slight spark of chaos never quiet left him. And whenever Sena loses his memory, his personality reverts to being somewhere in the middle of those two states of being.

11) Is Sena Rich?

Pretty much, though that's more thanks to Dolly than anything else. After becoming Sena's retainer, she took her duties very seriously, handling just about everything that Sena may need help with (excluding magecraft). That included handling Sena and the Mystical House's finances, as well as updating Sena on any news that may pique his interest. She's also the one responsible for helping Sena to adjust to life in Esperia whenever he returns from the leylines, including making sure he has the correct currency and is dressed for the times (thank you, Dolly, for keeping Sena fashionable).

12) Sena's worst fear?

Losing sight of what it means to be a person. Sena has never cared much for his divinity, but he would cling to every last shred of humanity he has in his soul.

13) Does Sena hate any characters?

Berial and Reinier. Sena hates Berial because of the joy he takes in making mortals suffer. He's needlessly cruel, even by Hypogean standards and seems to genuinely enjoy the harm he causes (unlike Phraesto who Sena finds oddly amicable).

He also strongly dislikes Reinier due to his obsession with perfection. While in itself not abhorrent, the lengths Reinier goes to to achieve his idea of 'perfection' is disturbing to Sena who's seen the way his actions have hurt people. And on a more personal note, the way Reinier desecrates the monuments of the old gods, bastardizing their image and deceiving their followers never fails to have pure rage bubbling up in Sena's chest. Blasphemy doesn't really bother him, but seeing this hypogean spit on the legacy of those he knew and loved just crosses a line for Sena.

14) Sena's Hobbies?

Being Merlin doesn't really give Sena a lot of free time, though when he does get it, he's using it to completely immerse himself in the local culture. Talking to people, helping out around whatever town they're in, eating local delicacies, sampling signature drinks, listening to music, and reading their books and poems. In hindsight, being Merlin probably is the best job for Sena considering that it gives him an excuse to travel.

15) What type of people does Sena get along with?

Sena tends to get along with just about anyone so long as they aren't cruel or closed-minded, though he does have his favourites. Usually those who have the same type of well-meaning chaos and recklessness that he does.

#afk journey #afk merlin #merlin oc #headcanons #magister sena #long post #merlinverse #merlin lore #lore dump #afk dionel #afk hogan #afk valen #afk berial #afk reinier #afk hogan x merlin #hogan x sena

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shift-shaping · 5 months ago

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another ale at noon

solas, blackwall, and varric have another boys' night. day. it's like the middle of the day. boys' brunch.

rating: t

pairing: solavellan (discussed)

warnings: alcohol

previous fics | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

"So Solas is Chuckles, I get to be Hero, which is quite nice of you, Sera is Buttercup, Bull is..."

"Tiny," Varric said with a grin.

"Very creative," Solas added dryly.

Blackwall frowned. "Who else was there?"

"I believe I've heard you call Commander Cullen 'Curly,'" Solas offered, and Varric nodded, obviously enjoying the attention. "And Josephine, Ruffles."

"But you just call Cassandra 'Seeker.'” Blackwall recalled. “Why is that?"

Varric laughed, a bit nervous, and looked towards the door of the tavern as if Cassandra could enter at any moment. "I'm not calling Cassandra anything she doesn't want to be called. I'm already on her shit list."

Solas hummed, and sipped from his drink. "Enaste used that term the other day --'shit list.'"

Blackwall grinned at Varric underneath his untidy beard. "So you're a bad influence, then."

"I'm sure the Dalish have their own curses." Varric waved his hand dismissively. "She's heard it all before."

"I heard she called Cassandra a 'cunt'." All three men looked up at the barmaid, who must have been eavesdropping. "Sorry. You didn't hear it from me."

That got another laugh from Blackwall. "No, that can't be true."

"Sera told us, just the other night! I guess Lady Cassandra told the Inquisitor she needed to put the Inquisition above the needs of her clan, or something."

"That would piss her off," Varric agreed.

"Are you sure Sera wasn't exaggerating?" Blackwall was thoroughly amused by all this, and admittedly Solas couldn't blame him. Enaste was nearly a religious figure to him --hearing her curse in common was probably very entertaining. "Maybe Sera just wanted an excuse to say 'cunt.'"

"Sera needs no excuse to curse," Solas added, and Blackwall laughed again in agreement.

"Well like I said, you didn't hear it from me. Did you lot want another round?"

"Sure," Varric gestured at the table. "What's another ale at noon?"

The barmaid left to get their drinks, and Blackwall shifted in his seat. "So if everyone gets nicknames except the people you're afraid of, does that mean you're scared of Lavellan?"

"No," Varric laughed, then paused. "Well, maybe. Should I be?"

"I don't know," Blackwall shrugged. "She can be harsh, but she's fair."

"It was interesting to see how she handled that magister, Alexius." Varric said. "From her description of what happened at Redcliffe, I thought she'd have his head on a spike." He shook his head, brows furrowed. "She just sent him to work with Leliana, right?"

Blackwall nodded. "Much kinder than the bastard deserved." He sighed and shrugged. "Mercy is a good thing though. Better to follow too merciful a leader than a cruel one."

The barmaid returned with their drinks, and Solas realized he'd actually finished one. He thanked her as she took the empty tankard away. "So if you aren't afraid of her, Varric, why haven't you given her a nickname?" He asked, and Varric thought for a moment before responding.

"It feels weird, I guess. She's the Inquisitor, that's her nickname."

"I think you can do better," Blackwall teased.

Varric rubbed his chin. "I'll think about it. It has to be natural, you know? You can't force these things." He sighed and leaned back, then took a long drink from his tankard. "I could ask her uncle for ideas, I guess. You know, I've never seen an elf with a beard like that." He chuckled. "It's downright dwarven."

Blackwall nodded to Solas. "Did you know he was coming?"

Solas shook his head. "No, and neither did she."

"We're a long way from the Free Marches. Dangerous route, too."

"That's family," Varric said. "I'm not surprised her clan is worried. An elf tied up with all this chantry shit? It never ends well."

"We have to make sure it does," Blackwall replied with an oddly reverent certainty. "She has a duty to the world, but we have a duty to make sure she doesn't die performing it."

Solas looked at Blackwall curiously. "Back in Haven you said you didn't care if she was actually chosen by Andraste. Do you still feel that way?"

"You were there, we all were." He gestured vaguely towards the Frostbacks. "She's insisted time and again she's not chosen by Andraste and doesn't believe in the Maker. But when it came down to it, she was willing to give her life for a bunch of people she doesn't even like." He shook his head as if in awe. "So no, I still don't care if she's chosen by Andraste. She's a woman worth following, and she’s trying to make things right."

"I think she mostly follows you," Varric joked. "I don't know how you can go running into battle headfirst like that. I'm surprised you still have most of your teeth."

"That's why I'm here," Blackwall raised his tankard, then took a long drink before slamming it down. "So you three can keep your pretty faces intact."

"Oh, speaking of pretty faces," Varric said, remembering something and turning to Solas. "Do you know how she got those scars on her face?"

Solas had spent much too long staring at those scars for her not to have told him about them. But she wasn't self-conscious of them, so he assumed it was fine for him to divulge. "A fishing accident, in her youth," Solas replied.

"A fishing accident?" Blackwall asked incredulously. "What a woman." The way Blackwall talked about Enaste was always illuminating. He seemed somewhere in-between worshipping her and being in love with her. Perhaps he had to be, to put himself in so much danger for her so often.

"I wonder if she's found a place nearby to fish," Solas said, frowning. There were streams here and there, enough to provide the keep with fresh water, but none of them that he knew of were deep or productive enough for fishing. "She used to fish from the lake near Haven. It gave her some peace from all the chaos."

"Did you notice, in Crestwood, how she looked at those crab traps on the beach?" Blackwall asked, grinning, and Solas couldn't help but smile back. Enaste had tried to be subtle, but it was impossible not to notice her casually wandering along the waterline and leaning over the traps. Sera teased her for it, and she'd been predictably defensive. It made for a surprisingly light-hearted moment amidst so much doom, and Blackwall had promised to take her to a real seafood market some day. That led to Sera calling her 'fishbutt,' which didn't make any sense but was amusing regardless.

Solas sipped from his drink, still smiling at the memory. "Yes. She said she prefers eating crab, but catching fish. Apparently her uncle is particularly skilled at preparing it."

"You two spend a lot of time together," Varric observed. The comment put Solas immediately on edge, but Varric went on before he could say anything. "Don't get all pissy, Chuckles. It's okay, really." He paused, his expression suddenly gentle, and sighed. "She likes you. That's a good thing. And maybe she's just glad to have another elf around."

"I imagine she is, yes." Solas still had no interest in pursuing this conversation with them. He enjoyed the company of Varric and Blackwall, but their attempts to pry into his relationship with Enaste were grating. It was an entirely private matter, and he owed them no explanation.

His icy response left an awkward pause, just as it had every time they’d brought it up before. After a few tense moments, Varric pushed himself from the table and stood. "I'll be right back, nature's calling."

Blackwall and Solas were fully capable of sitting in comfortable silence together, and often did in the field. Now, though, there was a weight to the silence that made it uneasy. Solas chose to ignore it, and instead stared out over the tavern blankly. It was slower now than it would surely be in a few hours, when the soldiers finished their afternoon training and came to relax. Maryden was tuning her instrument, occasionally strumming lazily, giving the tavern an atmosphere of lighthearted anticipation.

When Blackwall finally spoke, his voice was gentler than before, and lower, too, as if he didn't want them to be heard. "I like you, Solas. You know that." Solas frowned at him, unsure where this was going, but said nothing. "I know you've seen a lot in your life, and maybe I'm in no place to give you advice. But I'm just going to say it, and you can do with it what you please," Blackwall took a deep breath. "Life is short, and hard, and then you die. I know you want to maintain a... professional relationship with the Inquisitor, and I know you don't want to hurt her reputation, but I've seen the way you look at her." He sighed heavily. "Just… take it from me: don't let your pride get in the way of something good."

There was no teasing in his voice, no playfulness, just an earnest man sharing his thoughts. Solas looked away, quiet for a while longer. It was more poignant than Blackwall could possibly know, and in a way, he was right. "Thank you," Solas said finally. "You make a fair point. I will... consider it."

Blackwall nodded gruffly, and took another long drink. Varric returned soon after, and broke out a deck of cards. Playing Wicked Grace with the two of them was a ritual Solas had become accustomed to, as even at camp Varric always had a deck of cards. Enaste joined them on occasion, and one memorable evening most of the camp played a massive game together. He preferred it like this though, and not just because Blackwall had a tendency to bet far too much. It was quieter, easier, and he didn’t have to think quite so much about how to fill the silence.

<- prev fic | next fic ->

#solavellan #blackwall #varric tethras #solas #dragon age #glimpses #enaste lavellan #i promise i'll put these on ao3 soon #i just need to come up with a title #thank you to everyone reading though T.T #this one is essentially just dialogue

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daitranscripts · 5 months ago

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Doom Upon All the World Conversations

Blackwall

Doom Upon All the World Masterpost

The PC finds Blackwall standing near the fireplace.

Choice dependent dialogue:

Given to the Wardens [1]

Free to atone [2]

Imprisoned [3]

1 - Given to the Wardens Blackwall: “Helped stop an ancient magister darkspawn.” Not every Warden-Recruit gets to say that. Thanks to you, I do.

Dialogue options:

General: You played an essential part. [4]

General: I’m a helper. [5]

General: It gives you credibility. [6]

4 - General: You played an essential part. PC: We couldn’t have done it without you. Blackwall: You’ve done enough for me. Forget the flattery. [10] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 5 - General: I’m a helper. PC: That’s me! Helping people prove themselves to future employers. Blackwall: (Chuckles.) [10] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 6 - General: It gives you credibility. PC: After impersonating one of their own, you’ll need that clout to win over the Wardens. Blackwall: I’m glad you’re still willing to tell it to me straight. [10]

2 - Free to atone Blackwall: All this pomp and ceremony? Can’t top seeing that bastard Corypheus burn. No matter what happens to me now, I can say I was there. I helped you bring him down.

Dialogue options:

General: We did it together. [7]

General: And survived! [8]

General: There’ll be more like him. [9]

7 - General: We did it together. PC: It took all of us, but we did it. Blackwall: I shudder to think where we’d be without you leading us. [10] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 8 - General: And survived! PC: And lived to tell the tale! [10] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 9 - General: There’ll be more like him. PC: It’s not over. It’s never over. There’s always someone who steps out of line. Blackwall: You sure know how to ruin a party. Look, let’s just focus on the good for now. [10]

10 - Scene continues.

Blackwall: So now that you’ve saved the world, what’s next? Hoping to put it all back together?

Dialogue options:

General: It’s a tremendous task. [11]

General: Might as well. [12]

General: Hope is useless. [13]

11 - General: It’s a tremendous task. PC: It’ll be a huge undertaking. Blackwall (low approval): Well, I still hope you know what you’re doing. Blackwall (romanced): If anyone can do it, you can. And I’ll be right by your side. Blackwall (high approval): If anyone can do it, you can. If you ever need my help, you know where to find me. I’ll be ready. [14]

12 - General: Might as well. PC: Someone has to fix things. Might as well be me. Blackwall (low approval): Let’s hope you don’t make it worse. Blackwall (romanced): If anyone can do it, you can. And I’ll be right by your side. Blackwall (high approval): If anyone can do it, you can. If you ever need my help, you know where to find me. I’ll be ready. [14]

13 - General: Hope is useless. PC: It’s going to take action, not hope. Blackwall (low approval): Well, I still hope you know what you’re doing. Blackwall (romanced): If anyone can do it, you can. And I’ll be right by your side. Blackwall (high approval): If anyone can do it, you can. If you ever need my help, you know where to find me. I’ll be ready. [14]

14 - Scene ends.

3 - Imprisoned Blackwall: So it’s over. The battle’s finally won. The Breach sealed and Corypheus dead.

Dialogue options:

General: You did good work. [15]

General: And we’re alive. [16]

General: And you think all’s forgiven? [17]

15 - General: You did good work. PC: You played a big part. I won’t forget it. [18] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 16 - General: And we’re alive. PC: He’s dead, we’re not. All things considered, good day. Blackwall: (Chuckles.) [18] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 17 - General: And you think all’s forgiven? PC: I haven’t forgotten your lie, Rainier. You think your part in this somehow absolves you? Blackwall: Clearly it doesn’t. [18]

18 - Scene continues.

Blackwall: You may never forgive me for what I did, but thank you anyway. You gave me the chance to fight for something. Somethings good.

Scene ends.

#dragon age inquisition #dai transcripts #dragon age #dragon age transcripts #dragon age dialogue #dai #long post #dai dialogue #doom upon all the world #duatw #blackwall #thom rainier

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sunstoner · 6 months ago

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happy pride people of the internet

is your gender a bit fucky? are you tired of the same old same old honorifics? are you simply just bored and looking for some reading material? well youre in luck!

in my scouring of this site ive yet to find one giant list of alternate honorifics/prefixes/titles or whatever you want to call them (maybe i didnt look hard enough, who knows) so i decided "fuck it! let me make my own." it took a while to find these and i definitely have to thank the gender census for a lot of them. (note: this is probably not all possible prefixes! these are just what i could find and what i could find pronunciations for (excluding part 4). feel free to mention any others & their pronunciations!)

anyways! continue below the part

part one: matching

these honorifics/prefixes/titles look similar enough to mr/ms/mrs/miss while also not being those. and no, its not just mx! note: for space purposes there may be a list of titles with one pronunciation

1. m.

can be pronounced em, mist, messer, master, or magister

2. m*.

pronounced miss-star

3. ma.

pronounced mistra

4. me.

can be pronounced mew or messer

5. mg.

can be pronounced mage or magister

6. mir.

pronounced mir

7. msc. ; misc.

pronounced misk, shortened from miscellaneous

8. mist. ; mrm. ; msm. ; mtr.

pronounced mistrum

9. ml.

pronounced mistrel

10. mm.

can be pronounced mistum or mistrum

11. mn.

pronounced mine

12. mnt.

pronounced mount

13. mq.

can be pronounced mick or marquis

14. mre.

can be pronounced mistree or mystery

15. mrsr.

pronounced merser

16. mrw.

pronounced morrow

17. mry. ; mse. ; mys. ; myst.

pronounced mystery

18. msr.

can be pronounced messr or misser

19. msry.

pronounced misry

20. mssr.

pronounced messer

21. mst.

pronounced mist

22. mstr.

pronounced master

23. mt.

can be pronounced mount or mistrum

24. mtx.

pronounced matrix

25. mu.

pronounced as written

26. mv.

pronounced maverique

27. mw.

can be pronounced mew or morrow

28. mx.

can be pronounced mix, mex, mux, mixter, mistrum, or monselle

29. mxr.

pronounced mixer

30. myr.

pronounced myster

31. mz.

pronounced miz

32. mzr.

can be pronounced mezzir or mezzer

part two: branching

these honorifics/prefixes/titles are the same as part one, but they look different from the "default" format. so many letters. note: for space purposes there may be a list of titles with one pronunciation

1. an.

pronounced any

2. c. ; cap. ; capt. ; cpt. ; cptn. ; ct.

pronounced captain

3. cd. ; cde. ; cmd. ; cmr. ; cmrd. ; com.

pronounced comrade

4. cit. ; ctz. ; cz. ; czn.

pronounced citizen

5. cnst.

pronounced constellation

6. cr.

can be pronounced comrade or cryptid

7. de.

pronounced done

6. div.

pronounced div, shortened from individual

7. dm.

pronounced dame

8. dr.

pronounced doctor

9. drst.

pronounced dearest

10. em.

pronounced as written

11. en.

can be pronounced enby or entity

12. ent.

pronounced entity

13. eu.

pronounced eunuch

14. fh.

pronounced fellow human

15. fw.

pronounced fellow worker

16. hm.

pronounced human

17. hon.

pronounced on, shortened from honorable

18. hx.

pronounced hex

19. ind.

pronounced as written, shortened from individual

20. inv.

pronounced inevitable

21. jan.

pronounced as written

22. lic.

pronounced licenciature

23. nb.

pronounved en bee, shortened from nonbinary

24. nl.

pronounced null

25. nr.

pronounced nister

26. nx.

can be pronounced nix or nex

27. per. ; pr.

can be pronounced per or person

28. phl.

pronounced philosophe

29. prof.

pronounced professor

30. rab.

pronounced rabbi

31. rev.

pronounced reverand

32. sai.

pronounced sigh

33. san.

pronounced as written

34. ser.

can be pronounced ser or serah

35. sr.

can be pronounced sir or serrah

36. syr.

pronounced as written

37. sys.

pronounced system

38. the.

pronounced as written

39. tr.

can be pronounced ter or teacher

40. vd.

pronounced void

41. vr.

pronounced ver

42. vx.

can be pronounced vix or vex

43. xr.

pronounced xer

44. zr.

can be pronounced zir or zeester

part three: sir? ma'am?

these honorifics are specifically meant to replace the sir/ma'am words. they feel different than the other ones so they get their own part.

1. boss

2. captain

3. chief

4. comrade

5. friend

6. gentile

7. m'ir

8. sa'am

9. sai

10. tiz

11. xir

12. zir

part four: how do you say...

these honorifics are ones i couldnt find pronunciations for... if you know em lmk please & thanks 🫰🏾

1. sn.

thats it, i couldnt find a pronunciation for it but i thought it was cool 🤸🏾

thats all folks

i might update depending on the responses i get and anything else i find :)

last edits: 3 jun 2024

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mako-designated-driver · 5 months ago

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Day #3: A Magister's Needs

Dearest sister:

It's been an age since I've written, but I simply had to thank you! Your advice was perfect. Just a few gossips bought with gold and everyone in Minrathous thought Quirinus and I were the most dreadful rivals. It let us indulge our little love affair without his wretched family interfering, if only for a little while.

Quirinus himself sadly turned out to be less ideal. I caught him carrying on behind my back, with a soporati of all things. Can you imagine? There was nothing for it. During the quarrel, I threw boiling water at his face. Let his soporati kiss the scars better.

He's cowering in his mansion now, pretending he was hurt in a duel. No doubt he'll want revenge. Don't worry, dear sister. I took precautions. Don't tell anyone, but my master taught me a few secrets that should keep me safe. The ritual cost me the mansion's kitchen slave. Lenna, I think she was called? But I've enough power now to keep Quirinus from trying anything foolish. Kitchen slaves can be bought by the dozen at the market, so there's no harm in it.

I feel wonderful, dear sister. Won't you come for Wintersend this year? I'll have my new slave trained to make your favorite lemon cakes by then. It'll be perfect.

—Letter from Magister Delphine to her sister Aulia, 8:65 Blessed

#since we we're going to tevinter #nothing better than a little insight into their class system #btw remember Delphine's name you'll see why soon #dragon age #dragon age lore #dragon age dreadwolf #dragon age the veilguard #dragon age 4 #da4

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blarrghe · 8 months ago

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haven't promoted this story in a minute because idk I got tired of tumblr and took a sort of break. Tomorrow I will be posting ch. 14, which is halfway through the story, so it's a great time to pick up...

The Hunter The Snake and the Fox

Rating: M | Category: M/M | Words: 27 081 | Chapters 13/28

Summary:

When Magister Dorian Pavus' expedition meets unexpectedly with a clan of unhappy Dalish elves, First Taren Lavellan may be the unhappiest among them. Unhappier still to be put to the task of helping to see his quest through. This is the tale of how a fortnight in the forests of the Free Marches can change everything.

And here's a long snippet from Ch. 3 for some Drama:

A sliver of light shone briefly in from a crack in the tent, and a leather-clad elf stomped through it. The elf barked something out towards the tent flap, and before Dorian could muster more than a groan, he stomped out again. Dorian blinked a few times after the fading blur of light.

Minutes went by. Possibly hours. Dorian’s head hurt. He tugged on the binds at his wrists, bending them uncomfortably this way and that. It only seemed to tighten them, so he stopped. His head began to clear. More time passed. He attempted to count the minutes. When the elf returned again, Dorian managed a few inquiring calls for attention. Things like, “Where are the others?”, and, “damnit, I’m talking to you!” His calls went ignored.

The elf poked his head back out into the bright daylight beyond the dark tent, and shouted something in grumpy Elvhen. Another elf soon pushed through the flap, they stomped grimly forward together, and then one on either side hoisted Dorian up by the elbows.

Dorian’s legs were half asleep and still bound, painfully tingling with each jostling step as the two elves dragged him forward. He groaned. The elf on his right barked back something he was sure was an insult. His unwilling legs were dragged on.

Dorian did his best to make his case for answers and mercy as they went. “We have no qualms with you," he pleaded, " I know Tevinter hasn’t historically been kind to your people, but really, this expedition wants nothing to do with you, so if you’d simply let us go on our way…”

Sharp grunt.

“You’re making a huge mistake. Kill me, and you’d be inviting a war, do you have any idea who I am?”

Angry Elvish epithet.

“Dorian of house Pavus,” he said proudly, “ Magister Pavus as of recently, I have a fortune, you could be handsomely rewarded and —”

Big knife.

“— and a wife! And children! Please!”

The big knife pressed closer to his throat. There was a bandage there already.

“Alright! So I don’t have children, or a wife, but I am engaged, and —”

Dorian was shoved through a tent flap by the elf holding the knife, who wound up at his back as his second captor pushed his unstable and bound legs down into a kneel.

“Relax, shemlin,” said a low voice.

Thank the Maker, Dorian thought, blinking now at the woven mat he’d been forced upon, its zigzagged pattern slowly coming into view in his still foggy vision. Finally, here was someone who spoke the Trade speech. King's Tongue, they called it in the south. Crude. In Tevinter, the nobility still had its own.

Dorian’s eyes rose from the ground to take in warmly lit canvas walls draped in soft pelts and colourful woven blankets. He knelt near a smouldering fire pit. Smoke was rising up through a narrow hole in the tent’s roof. Through its haze, in a grand and intricately carved wooden seat, sat a man. The man stood, and Dorian watched leather-wrapped feet pace forward, around, circling him. There were more seats, less grand but still intricately carved, all around the fire pit. None sat in them except for one old woman. She sat still and proud, squinting at him through the smoke.

Dorian lifted his gaze all the way up to the face of the man who was just now finishing his pacing examination of him. An elvhen mage stood before Dorian with his staff planted firmly on the ground between them. He was not tall, but stood in towering regalness over Dorian all the same. His posture was straight, his shoulders strongly set and covered with a heavy green cloak woven through with threads of blue and gold. He wore his deep auburn hair in a long, thick braid hung over one shoulder, and he held his carved, spiralling wooden staff in both hands, emanating power.

“You are Master Pavus ,” said the standing elf, speaking down to him.

“Master Pavus was my father,” Dorian replied, flashing the man a winning smile, “as I am evidently your prisoner, it seems only fitting that you simply call me Dorian.”

DAFF tags list: @warpedlegacy @rakshadow @rosella-writes @effelants @bluewren @breninarthur @ar-lath-ma-cully @dreadfutures @ir0n-angel @inquisimer @crackinglamb @theluckywizard @nirikeehan @oxygenforthewicked @exalted-dawn-drabbles @melisusthewee @agentkatie @delicatefade @leggywillow @about2dance @plisuu

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sasha199 · 5 months ago

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You Promised Me

Hey yall, posting my first ever BG3 fanfiction here, about my Tav a she/her female high elf wizard name Gwyneth. She is widowed at the start of the nautaloid adventure and doing research work in the city of Baldur's Gate when she is abducted. She does end up pairing off with out favorite Wizard of the Deepest Water. Trigger warnings for some gore and ickiness, lots of smut coming soon! Enjoy!

Chapter 1

(3 years after the death of Professor DeMarco Daneil and on the cusp of the beginning of our story.)

"I just don't understand it, Professor."

Gwynnie smiled slightly, exasperated and amused. She set her wine goblet down absently on a passing tray that was floating through the room of its own accord. "Gerrett, please don't address me as professor here. This is an informal setting." She had thought long and hard about what to wear to this event, the black form-fitting gown she'd chosen was perfect, formal and floor length but sexy with an open back, revealing and hiding just enough. DeMarco would have loved it, or rather he would have loved getting her out of it, once all this posturing and networking with the bigwigs of the wizard community was done.

She sighed and picked up a fresh drink from another floating tray, DeMarco had always hated attending industry and academic conferences and galas. It all took time away from the actual work he could be doing preferably in the field, but research needed funding so Gwynnie had always ushered him into some formal robes and taken it upon herself to lead him into the fray of their colleagues' annual dinners, cocktail hours and other social events. The department needed to put faces to names and they deserved to know what an asset he was to the industry, how wonderfully funny and witty her husband was… She took a long slow drink from her goblet and blinked hard. She could do this, she could bear it for DeMarco.

"Are you alright pro- ah sorry I mean, Gwynnie?"

She blinked again, adjusting her spectacles, "Yes, Gerrett, much more than alright. And in response to your statement I quite agree. Very little makes sense regarding the progress made by the department of Transmutation. They claim that many of their recent breakthroughs prove theories that the gods themselves, while divine are not infallible. In fact, some deign that we are not as far removed from the higher powers that rule our lives as they would have us believe."

"Would that it were true," Gerrett tugged absently at his collar, "but if the veil between the mortal and the divine is so thin, why have the gods at all?"

"Do I hear you casually speaking heresy, Mistress Deneil?" came a gruff voice from over her shoulder. Gwynnie felt a genuine smile spread across her face for the first time in months as she turned to see the Sage of Shadowdale shambling over. His formal robes were threadbare and his cheeks ruddy from wine. Long winded though he was Gwynnie always found the archmage amusing, and she never had to work hard to be taken seriously by him, unlike a few of the mages in his entourage that were following in his wake. Rumor had it that he had spent some time in his long existence on the material plane as a woman. She couldn't say exactly why but she found the idea of this powerful man choosing to spend centuries as a woman hopelessly endearing.

"Always, Magister," she inclined her head politely, "though I'm sure your sweet and forgiving mistress will spare me from the ire of her silver fire."

"Mystra spares those who deserve it, or who have earned it. She does what she does for divine reasons, I know my place in that equation." He suddenly turned serious and took Gwynnie's goblet free hand between his own. "My personal condolences are long overdue, my dear," his voice was low and somber, "DeMarco was such a talented and forthright elf. I know he is sorely missed by many."

"Thank you." Gwynnie felt a mask slip over her face, "the flowers you sent were lovely." She glanced sideways at Gerrett who was standing to her side slack jawed at this informal exchange. "May I introduce you to Gerrett Highchamber, he is our - my - primary research assistant and a great talent regarding Abjuration magic. I would not be standing here before you without him."

Gwynnie tuned out the continuation of the conversation, silently congratulating herself for being so composed. She was so tired of all the condolences, the sympathy. Her face ached from smiling somberly and graciously, it was all beginning to feel like an act, a performance. She missed DeMarco deeply, of course she did. Everything and everyone was a reminder of his absence, being here mingling among their colleagues and friends on her own felt as if someone had cast Inflict Wounds on her heart again and again. Part of her wanted to disappear, to vanish to become someone else.

Hours later she made her way back to her home that evening alone and exhausted. Gerrett had been a perfect escort, and she was grateful for his help this evening but he had a family to get home to. She trudged up the stairs to her tower, still strange to think of it as her tower now, slipping off her high heels at the door. She padded barefoot into the kitchen unzipping her dress as she went, letting it pool on the floor around her and leaving it where it hit the floor.

There was nothing in her icebox but a half pint of frozen sweet cream with the spoon sticking up out of it. She popped the lid on a half empty wine container and took a swig directly from the jar. She pulled the pins out of her chignon until her hair brushed her bare shoulders in pink waves. Sticking a spoon full of the sweet cream into her mouth she half-heartedly waved at the dusty piano covered with documents in the corner of the room. Something began to play, she didn't recognize the tune but it was better than the immensity of her own thoughts.

She looked at the scroll spread before her on the table where she'd left it that morning. Baldur's Gate. She had never been there, but from what she knew it was a big city, not as large as Neverwinter or as grand as Waterdeep but still, easy to get lost in. She had never heard of this Lord Gortash, the noble who had signed the document, but his seal did look official.

"Fuck it," she muttered around the cold spoon, "I can do research anywhere. The work will get done." She glanced up at a painting of her and DeMarco, that hung over the mantle, there were cobwebs in the corners of it. His face was bright, looking at her caught in the moment between a laugh and a smile. Could she still remember his laugh? Worry suddenly gripped her belly through her drunken haze and with a flash she conjured Silent Image. Suddenly a shimmering translucent copy of a dark-skinned curly-haired elf with grey eyes appeared before her. He took out a book from his pocket and crossed the room towards her. She stood there naked, metal spoon still in her hand, she opened her arms wide… and let the image walk through her. She felt nothing as it became invisible for a moment, became one with her and continued on. She turned to watch it dissipate as it reached the opposite wall behind her and hot tears spilled unbidden down her cheeks. "The work will get done, DeMarco. I promise you."

Thanks for reading!!

#gale romance #bg3 gale #gale of waterdeep #gale x tav #gale oc #gale x oc #baldurs gate gale #bg3 fanfiction #gale smut #galemance #smut #grieving #loss #baldur's gate 3 #elminster #bg3 mystra #fuck mystra #you.promised.me

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kcwriter-blog · 9 months ago

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WIP tag game <3

tagged by @broodwolf221 thank you <3 I actually have something to share :-)

@arlathvhenan @kierarhawke @rosieofcorona @freesidexjunkie

Varric eyed her over his tankard. "You had to go for the broody elf."

"I thought we weren't talking about that," Theneras said testily, running an index finger through the drops of wine she had spilled.

"Fair enough." Varric held his hands up in mock surrender. "I didn't invite you here to re-open old wounds."

Changing the subject he asked, "Have you heard anything from Dorian, lately?"

Theneras scoffed. "Two days ago, he sent me another interminable tome about the Veil, written by some long-dead and probably deluded Tevinter Magister.” She sighed in exasperation.

“By special messenger, I assume.” Varric was aware of the mage's predilection for playing matchmaker where she was concerned.

She rolled her eyes. “If you mean a pretty boy in fashionable clothes with bedroom eyes, then, yes. I politely told him to take himself back to Tevinter." Her smile turned predatory. "Well, I might not have been quite so polite.”

“He means well," Varric said, shaking his head in amusement. "Solas never deserved you. It's time you realized that, found someone worthy of you. Someone not planning to remake the world. You have to get on with your life.”

“By taking someone else into my bed? Just like that?” She frowned in annoyance. “It's not that simple. Besides, all of Dorian's 'messengers' are humans.”

“Well, he can hardly send you elven slaves," Varric pointed out. "What do you have against humans, anyway?”

“Do you really have to ask?”

“Well, no. You are Dalish to the core." Varric set his tankard down, placed a gentle hand over hers. "But you've made some human friends. They could be more than friends, if you know what I mean. I’m pretty sure Cullen or Rainer would be more than happy to help you get over him."

She shuddered. “I have no problem with humans as friends. I just don’t want one in my bed.”

“Not even for the experience?”

“What experience?" she said, her tone mocking. "If I want to fuck a carpet, there’s a perfectly good rug in my sitting room.”

“Ouch. That’s harsh.” He ran a hand over his own magnificent pelt.

“Why?" she said irritably. "Just because humans think elven women are exotic doesn't mean we return the favor. In addition to an excess of body hair, their ears are all wrong.”

“Is that really a problem?”

“In the bedroom? She gave Varric a mischievous glance full of innuendo. "Absolutely.”

#dragon age inquisition #ask game #dragon age #solavellan #dai #solasmance #dai solas #varric and lavellan #varric tethras #wip #ao3 writer

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frogprincesnowglobe · 2 years ago

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Ultimate Young Royals Character Tournament

This Young Royals week let’s put all our characters to the test! The ultimate Young Royals Seasons 1—2 character showdown. The Hillerska gym is booked for the week for a poll tournament pitting our beloved YR characters up against each other to determine the ultimate Young Royals favorite character.

RULES: Vote for which character you like best, whether that’s in terms of personality of how well they’re written. We all know some of these characters take questionable actions but are still deeply nuanced with interesting character arcs. Choose wisely, because the winners will go head to head.

Our wonderful Crown prince and Bjärstad choir boy will duke (ha) it out separately. They’re too overpowered and will most likely win any battle they’re in. Their tournament along with some fun extra polls will be posted on the final day.

Reblogs of the polls appreciated.

Day 1 April 24 2023 Round 1:

Henry VS Stella

Walter VS Fredrika

Rosh VS Madison McCoy

Micke Eriksson VS Ludvig

Headmistress Anette Lilja VS Choir Teacher

Rickard VS Poppe Ehrencrona

Smysan Ehrencrona VS Louise

Nils VS Alexander Bragé

Sara Eriksson VS August Horn of Årnäs

Vincent VS Marcus

Boris VS Malin

Ayub VS Felice Ehrencrona

Jan Olof Vs Queen Kristina of Sweden

Linda Vs Crown Prince Erik of Sweden

Magister Englund Vs Fröken Ramirez

Husfar vs Husmor Anna

Day 3 April 26 2023 Round 2:

Henry Vs Walter

Felice Ehrencrona Vs Madison McCoy

Poppe Ehrencrona Vs Louise

Vincent Vs Nils

Boris Vs Choir Teacher

Fröken Ramirez vs Husfar

Queen Kristina of Sweden Vs Ludvig

Sara Eriksson Vs Linda

Day 5 April 28 2023 Round 3:

Henry Vs Felice Ehrencrona

Fröken Ramirez Vs Poppe Ehrencrona

Boris Vs Nils

Queen Kristina of Sweden Vs Linda

Day 7 April 30 2023 Round 4:

Felice Ehrencrona Vs Linda

Boris Vs Froken Ramirez

Day 9: May 2 2023

Crown Prince Wilhelm of Sweden vs Simon Eriksson

Boris Vs. Felice Ehrencrona

Simon's Lava Lamp Vs Wille's Fairy Lights (bonus poll!)

Wille's Sweater VS Simon's Purple Hoodie (bonus poll!)

August Horn of Årnäs vs Queen Kristina of Sweden (bonus poll!)

Ayub Vs Rosh (bonus poll!)

Season 1 August Vs Season 2 August (bonus poll!)

Canon Erik Vs Fanon Erik (bonus poll!)

Season 1 Wille hair Vs Season 2 Wille hair (bonus poll!)

Pizza With Rosh and Ayub Vs Poke Bowls with Felice (Bonus poll!)

Rousseau Vs Oski/Olle/Felle (Bonus Poll!)

Special thanks to @atdawnweryd for listening to me waffle about this and helping me with pairings. @freakishly-bookish-ant for validating my final pairings when I still wasn't sure and validating my decision to put Wille and Simon separate. Also the YR wikia, where I got five of the poll pictures that I didn't screenshot myself. <3

Biggest thanks to @hillerskalibrary for hosting fan week!! Thank you, it's been a blast. :)

Who is in, who is out? Current Ranking after Round 5 (X denotes they have lost their round and are out of the competition):

#Young Royals #yr week 2023 #Ultimate Young Royals Character Tournament

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voidnoidoid · 1 month ago

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Weaktober 2024 (10): Dungeon

hi everyone! sorry i haven't been writing, i was busy with midterms then passed out during my week break. gonna get back into the writing groove today with... RPG AU!

-----

The party looked up in terror at the gargantuan beast, huffing sapphire flames through its nostrils. The Ivory Dragon glared threateningly at the band of adventurers, flashing its fangs in a growl.

"Oh shit..." Teddy muttered, clutching his daggers.

"Everyone, run!" Ben yelled, turning to flee from the dragon. Eugene, Gray and Rowan ducked behind a boulder. Gerard, Alex and Teddy squeezed into cracks in the wall. This left Ben, who was running for his life, with no more hiding spots.

Gritting his teeth, Ben turned back towards the dragon and braced himself behind his shield. He hoped to whatever deity watching that it would shield him from the blast of flame. This wasn't what he had in mind when he took on this quest. "It would be easy, they said. Just go in, grab a necklace, and get out they said,"

--- 2 Days Ago ---

It was another bustling day in the Twisted Root guild hall. Parties of mercenaries and adventurers alike were gathered in groups, socializing, resting or gearing up for the next mission. Ben sat at a bench with the rest of his teammates, reading over a mission brief. He was the leader of their party, a brave knight in shining armor! Well, more like second hand armor from his uncle.

Beside him was Alex, a monk trained in barehanded combat and Ben's oldest friend. Leaning back into his chair and whistling a tune was Gerard, bard and fighter. He could strum a tune on his lute just as well as he could kick a guy in the jaw.

Next was Gray, peering at the brief over his shoulder. He graduated top of his class at his sorcerer academy, and was a magic genius. No spell was too complex for him.

Chatting with each other over drinks were Rowan and Teddy, archer and rogue. Rowan's best strength lay not just with his bow but with his gift of the gab, and Teddy was a former foe turned friend.

Finally, walking back from the bathroom, was Eugene; cleric and former classmate of Gray. They went to the same academy, where Eugene decided to become a healer instead of a magister.

"Alright everyone," Ben announced, getting up from his seat and slamming his palms to the table. "Here's what we're gonna do,

"Our mission is to enter the dungeon and descend to the 7th level to retrieve a sacred amulet from the Ivory Dragon's hoard. Right now, it's hibernation season so this job should be easy enough."

"Question," Teddy raised a hand. "What's the reward?"

"Ha ha, thought you might ask. Well, once we return the amulet to this Duke guy, we're gonna get a hundred thousand gold!" Ben laughed.

"Aw sweet!" Rowan grinned, pumping his fist in the air.

"Well then what are we sitting around for? Let's go already." Gerard said, strapping his lute to his back.

And with that, the party descended into the depths of the dungeon, hungry for adventure and a sweet sweet reward.

--------

The journey down to the 7th floor did not pass without difficulty. The first 3 floors were simple enough, but things started heating up once they hit the 4th floor. Literally.

"Yeowch!" Rowan yelped as a stray flame splattered on the back of his hand.

"Careful Rowan," Eugene said. "Here, I'll heal you." He held a palm over the burn and murmured an incantation, green light radiating above it. The burn healed quickly, leaving fresh unbroken skin. Rowan breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thanks man, that was my shooting hand."

"Stay close everyone, don't go falling into the fire pits." Alex said.

The 4th floor, aka the Inferno Floor. It was home to pits of fire and ash, spouts of flame threatening to melt the sturdiest of armor. You couldn't go down here without a competent healer by your side.

*crunch* Ben looked down at his foot, he'd stepped on something. "Huh, an eggshell?"

"Let me take a look," Gray said, heading to the front of the party. "Hm, this looks like a reptile egg. The leathery shell hardened and burnt to a crisp. What's it doing up here"

"You're right, we don't encounter lizard monsters until the 6th floor," Teddy remarked. He didn't look like it, but he was knowledgeable about animals and monsters alike.

"H-hey, look in front," Eugene stammered. "There's something wrong."

Everyone cast their eyes before them and gasped in shock. They were the remains of a large egg, with a burnt mound in the middle. They were down here to kill monsters, but every creature deserved a chance at life. "Poor thing," Eugene said, and prayed over the mound. It glowed, and disappeared into golden sparks.

"Let's keep moving." Ben said. Everyone nodded in agreement and ventured onwards, to the 7th floor.

------

After a few hours of adventuring, the party finally made it to the midpoint of floor 6, the fungus floor. They settled in a clearing filled with bioluminescent mushrooms glowing an array of colors. Everyone sat in a circle to rest their legs and have lunch to regain their energy.

"My uncle always said, you gotta have a balanced diet and a good rest to be ready for what comes ahead!" Ben declared, chowing down into a loaf of sourdough bread.

"Didn't your uncle also survive by eating monsters?" Gerard remarked.

"Yep! Which I think is super cool. You guys ever tried sauteed mandrake?"

"Um, I think I'll pass." Gerard said.

Suddenly, the group heard a rustling coming from behind them. They readied their weapons and waited in silence. More rustling, and hushed voices.

"Stop pushing me, I'm gonna drop it!" Someone hissed in hushed tones.

"Then go faster or Master will kick our asses!"

"I'm just being careful, after SOMEONE dropped the last egg."

"I said I was sorry-"

"Hey," Ben said, "We can hear you. Show yourselves." He drew his sword. Alex and Gerard got into fighting stances. Teddy readied his daggers. Rowan pulled back his bowstring. Gray's staff began to glow. Eugene braced himself.

From among the mushrooms emerged a pair of goblins. One held an egg 3/4 his size in his arms, he looked to be struggling. The other was larger in size and wore a dented helmet.

"Whataya want huh? Can't you see we're busy here?" The smaller one snapped, tossing floppy pink bangs out of his face. Gray's eyes widened with recognition upon seeing the egg, but he kept silent for now.

"What's that you got there?" Ben asked, gesturing at the egg.

"Nunya business!" The pink-haired goblin said.

"Yeah! It's our dragon egg and we're not giving it to you!" The bigger one said, which earned him a kick in the shins. "Ow!"

"Oh now you've done it! Just shut up now!"

"Dragon egg eh? Wonder what you're gonna do with that?" Teddy smirked, twirling his knives. "Sell it? Bet that would fetch a pretty penny." He crept up behind them.

"Why you!" The big goblin attempted to tackle Teddy, but the blonde rogue dodged nimbly to the side, stuck out a leg, and tripped him. "Oof!"

"Helmet! Ugh, whatever. I'm leav- WOAH!"

In a few seconds, both goblins were knocked out and disarmed. Teddy held the egg in his hands. "Hey, this look familiar to you guys?"

"Yes, actually. It seems to be the same type of egg we found earlier. If my assumptions are correct, it looks to be the egg of an Ivory Dragon." Gray said.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

"No way..." Eugene said. "We gotta keep that egg safe then!"

The party agreed, and put the egg in Eugene's backpack for safe keeping.

Well rested and with new loot, the party entered the lair of the dragon...

------

...which brought them to this point. The party, upon entering the Ivory Dragon's cave, were met not with a slumbering dragon but with a rampaging one. And the moment it set their sights on the adventurers, it took a few deep sniffs and charged right at them.

"Hrrrgh!" Ben grunted as his shield deflected the dragon's flames. This shield was an heirloom passed down generations of his family. It was used by his uncle as a wok for a time, but now came to him, an unbreakable mithril shield! Finally, the dragon let up on its flames and reared back, coughing. It seemed to have overexerted himself.

"Guys, group up!" The party gathered behind the large boulder while the dragon was recovering after the blast. "Quick, we need a plan," Ben said.

"I have an idea," Gray smiled.

Ben and Alex rushed out from behind the boulder. "Over here you overgrown gecko!" Alex yelled, sticking his tongue out. The dragon roared in fury and began to chase them. Ben and Alex split into different directions and ran circles around the lizard, confusing it. Whirling around rapidly, the dragon soon became dizzy, standing dazed and confused.

"Now!" Ben said, raising his shield. Alex leapt on top of it, and Ben launched him up and above the dragon's head with a mighty heave.

"Yah!" Alex yelled, dived and punched hard right between the dragon's eyes before leaping off and standing beside Ben. Now temporarily blinded, the dragon stomped its feet and thrashed its head around, tail swiping the hoard around it and scattering jewels everywhere.

From the shadows, Teddy darted forth and slashed at the beast's ankle joints, eliciting screeches of pain. Perched on a tall stone growth, Rowan fired enchanted arrows into the back of the dragon's knee which pierced it deeply, bringing the dragon to the ground and staining its white scales red. Its wings twitched in frustration, but thankfully couldn't spread because of the cramped den.

"Roaaaarrrr!" Smoke began to waft from the dragon's nostrils. The dragon opened its jaws wide, charging up a blast of flame. Just then, a fast paced melody sounded from the right as Gerard plucked at the strings of his lute. Everyone felt invigorated, like they could run like the wind.

"Thanks Gerard!" Ben called as he, Alex and Teddy ran like lighting away from the flames and the swipes of front claws. However, they were so focused on the front that none of them saw the dragon's tail heading straight for them from behind!

The tail swept towards the three like a snow-white whip but struck a glowing green magical barrier with a "WHAM"! Eugene held out his scepter, chanting an incantation for a barrier spell. He flashed them a smile.

"...with steel and shadow, metal and magic, come forth and entangle, those ties that bind! Entrap mine enemy, Dominus Catenis!" Gray shouted from before the dragon, dispelling his invisibility ward and completing his incantation. With a wave of his staff, a glowing fuschia magic circle manifested before the dragon. Glowing chains erupted from the circle and wound themselves around the Ivory Dragon, pinning it to the ground and clamping its jaws shut. Finally, the dragon was defeated. It was time to land the killing blow.

Ben approached the dragon, and raised his sword. The dragon whimpered and closed its eyes, a tear rolling down its cheek. Ben's lips quivered, then tightened. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword and-

"Wait!"

Everyone turned to look at Teddy.

"Why? What's wrong?" Gray asked.

"Y-you can't kill her," Teddy said. "She never wanted to kill us in the first place."

"How do you know?" Rowan asked, scratching his head.

"Because, she kept saying stuff about her babies. So, I thought- like- we can't kill her so-"

"YOU CAN TALK TO ANIMALS???" Rowan exclaimed, pointing at Teddy.

"Why didn't you tell us this?" Gray asked.

"Cuz it's embarrassing! Who's gonna take me seriously if I go around talking to animals like some sorta magic princess?"

"Guys calm down! And look over there, at the dragon's nest!" Eugene exclaimed, drawing their attention to the dragon's hoard. Nestled in a pile of gold coins and sparkling trinkets was a nest lined with pelts, cloth, dried leaves and rocks- and it was empty. "It's not hibernation season, it's brooding season! Which means that this dragon is a mother trying to protect her babies," He looked up at the dragon, who peered down at him curiously, as if understanding his intent. Eugene set down his backpack and removed the egg, which was half his size. Gently, he set it down before the dragon and backed away. He looked at Gray, who smiled and released the enchantment.

The chains faded away and the dragon rumbled, nudging the egg towards herself. She cast a meaningful look at Teddy and, holding her egg in one claw, climbed back into her nest and settled down.

"She says thank you, and that we can take one treasure as thanks." Teddy said.

"Well that makes things easier," Ben said with a smile. "Excuse me, Mrs Dragon, do you happen to have an amulet that looks like this?" He showed the poster to the dragon, who nodded and tossed a trinket to him. The amulet! "Thank you ma'am, and sorry for um, attacking you and everything," Ben said sheepishly.

------

After that, the party returned to the Duke and gave him the amulet much to his delight. Everyone went home with the satisfaction of a job well done and much fuller bank accounts.

"So Teddy," Rowan began, "how'd you learn to talk to animals?"

"I- well..."

"C'mon man spit it out. We're buddies right?"

"Hmph fine. I'm from a family of druids. I learnt to talk to animals since I was a kid." Teddy said, a blush creeping up his neck.

"Didn't take you for a softy either," teased Alex.

"HEY!"

"Heheh, Princess Teddy!" Eugene giggled.

"Not you too!"

~ Fin ~

BONUS: if you can guess who Ben's uncle is... you get a prize! The prize of being cool!

#weak hero webtoon #weaktober #weaktober2024 #weaktober 2024 #gray yeon #ben park #gerard jin #teddy jin #eugene gale #rowan im #alex go #weak hero fanfiction #voidnoidoid writes

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shift-shaping · 3 months ago

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decorum and observation

lady volant watches over solas as the poison takes hold.

rating: t

pairing: solavellan

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first fic in this series

previous fics | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

The situation deteriorated with sudden and shocking haste the instant Solas collapsed to the floor. Magister Malchus screamed at the servants, hurling accusations and ordering his guards to detain them. The Duke tried to calm him down, saying something about shellfish allergies, but Malchus ignored him.

Playing the terrified, dumbstruck aristocrat was usually a safe bet, but it was particularly easy for Guinevere in that moment because she genuinely did not know what was going on. She hurried to Solas's side, kneeling beside him beneath the chilling gaze of Malchus's blood mage. She rolled him to face her and he groaned. A thin layer of sweat coated the skin of his hairless head. His skin felt cold to the touch.

Guinevere looked to Malchus's blood mage, who turned slowly in a circle to take in the upper floors of the room. They were surrounded by dark figures with drawn bows, and the shadows upstairs made it impossible to tell how many there were.

Malchus looked to her, his eyes wide. "You have nothing to fear, my lady." His voice was weak from yelling at the servants. He gestured to her. "Men, take the ambassador and her elf to the guest quarters, and keep them safe. I will deal with the rats." A strong, armored hand roughly grabbed her by the arm and hauled her to her feet. She stumbled, but made no protest. It was obvious Malchus's men were under no obligation to treat her gently.

Two of them collected Solas and carried him between them, letting his feet drag on the floor. Guinevere thanked the man who "helped her up" and straightened out her dress. She needed no prodding to follow the Magister's guards; she was alone, and unarmed, and surrounded by enemies.

Malchus's men took them to the large, ornately-decorated room that was to be their prison. There was a fireplace but no fire, and though the windows were closed, a draft chilled her to the bone. A single lamp was lit by the bed, leaving most of the room in shadow. The rain was heavier now, a steady beat against the glass.

The guards left Solas on a couch by the fireplace. One guard stayed inside, in front of the door, and the others took their leave. That they did not communicate how many men were required to watch her said they were expecting this; that they had plans for how to handle her once they compromised her protection.

Solas knew better than to drink anything served to them here, or so she'd assumed. He was surprisingly canny in this setting, and his observations about their host impressed her. Despite his allegedly humble background, he had a keen eye for the deadly political dance of the upper class. It was strange to her that he would make such a foolish mistake, but now it was beside the point. They needed to escape before the Magister finished with the servants, or stay alive long enough for the Inquisitor to find them –whatever came first.

The room was quiet but for the drumming of the rain against the windows. Lady Volant knelt beside the couch Solas had been unceremoniously dumped on. He lay on his side, face scrunched, gasping and shaking in pain. She gently put her fingers to his neck and felt his racing pulse.

However he had been hurt, it didn't matter now. She needed to know what was wrong so she could keep him alive.

She stood and looked to the guard at the door. He eyed her coldly. Guinevere cleared her throat. "Sir, do you know anything about what happened to him?" The guard said nothing. She clenched her fist in front of her chest. "Please. I just want to help him. To ease his pain."

Still he ignored her. She stared at him. He wore the same armor as the others, all sharp points and spikes and leather with shiny metal details. Around his neck was a metal amulet in the shape of a sunburst.

Malchus was from Marnas Pell. Were his guards also from that cursed place? She'd heard strange things about that dark city on the Nocen Sea: wayward spirits, walking corpses, rifts that formed long before the Breach. She pictured a dark sky roiling with storm clouds, floating spires piercing through fog, a Circle tower made of black glass.

She shivered. Solas groaned and coughed. She tried again, in Tevene this time. "Could we at least start a fire? It is so cold in here."

The guard finally acknowledged her. His helmet obscured his face, but she saw his eyes narrow. "I am not here to serve you, southerner." Except the word he used wasn't exactly 'southerner,' but a rude term for an Orlesian. It was a dated term, one she had heard in her youth but only rarely in recent years.

"Of course," she said quietly. "I apologize." She turned back to join Solas by the unlit fireplace. She put her hand on his forehead. Beneath the sweat, his skin was freezing cold. He shuddered and groaned again, and she hushed him gently.

Even if she couldn't get more information from the guard, she needed to do something before her companion's condition worsened. Getting a fire going would keep him warm, and it would drive some of the humidity from the room and make them both more comfortable. To get that, she needed the guard's help, and he seemed determined not to give her any.

Guinevere knew she was too old to play naive and too young to look feeble. She was not a mage, and had only marginal skill with bow and dagger; she was not one of Leliana's crows for good reason. Her skills were far subtler: decorum and observation, tact and manipulation.

She ran her fingers over Solas's scalp. He reminded her of a man she hadn't seen since she was a girl, a man with coarse hands and a warm voice and long, pointed ears.

She hummed, the sound low and melodic from deep in her chest. Then, softly, gently, she sang an old song in a warm voice that had nearly forgotten its training. The words, though, were as bright in her mind as they would be on a page.

“Senii levamen unicum, neptis, mei,

ubi est pater tuus, misella? Mortuum

quem nescias, misella, nec iam sentias

aetate in ista primula, dieculis

paucissimis e matris alvulo edita,

rubicundula et nutricis alludens sinu”

"Wait, how do you know that song?" The guard asked in quick, alarmed Tevene.

She did not look at him as she replied. "My mother used to sing it to me when I was a girl. It's a lullaby."

"Why would an Orlesian know that song?" He sounded skeptical, but the surprise hadn't worn off.

"My mother is not Orlesian," Guinevere explained. She took out a handkerchief from her dress and used it to wipe sweat from Solas's forehead. "She is from a small village north of Vyrantium, at the southern end of the Nocen Sea."

The guard did not respond at first, but she could feel his eyes on her. Cold numbed her fingers, stiffened her joints. She exhaled, shivering, and a ghost of frost left her lips.

"You are not a mage," the guard observed flatly.

"No, I am not."

"Then how is it you have a mage for a servant?"

Still she did not turn to him. She remembered the sunburst amulet at his chest. "Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him."

The guard grunted. "You took him from one of your southern Circles?"

She smiled, though he couldn't see it. "There are no Circles in southern Thedas. Not anymore."

He paused, then spoke much more quietly. "The one thing the south does right, and you manage to muck it up."

She glanced at him over her shoulder, brows raised. "Are you not employed by a Magister?"

He scoffed, and looked away from her. "I do not need to explain myself to you."

"Of course," she said, turning back to Solas. He shivered and she swallowed past the tightness in her throat. "I apologize for my presumptuousness. I only mean to say it is an unpopular opinion in Tevinter. But…” She paused, just long enough to sound as though she were sharing a secret too. “It is one I share."

"You are in the wrong organization then." There was a note of humor to his tone, but it was dark and bitter. "Tevinter mages have training, at least. Your 'Herald' takes in every witch and hedge mage in southern Thedas."

"You think we should leave them be?"

He hesitated, then shook his head. "You are empowering them, not restraining them."

"And yet only one of us is being served by a mage instead of the other way around," she replied, keeping her voice calm and even, an observation instead of a judgement.

The guard fell quiet. The rain kept coming. Guinevere's hands were so cold she could scarcely feel them. She stood, and realized with a jolt of alarm that even her muscles were stiff from the cold. The guard watched her as she went to the bed and retrieved an armful of blankets, one for her and one for Solas. She draped it over him, and he took a deep breath of relief. The other blanket she wrapped around her shoulders as she returned to his side.

"You care for your servant a great deal." The guard sounded somewhere between wary and bewildered, as though she was doing something dangerous.

"Of course. He is a good man, and has served me faithfully." She watched the tight crease between Solas's brows relax. "Besides, those born to power have an obligation to care for those born without it. What other use is there for nobility?"

He chuckled mirthlessly. "You would not fare well in Tevinter, my lady."

"No, perhaps not." She smiled. "At least it is warmer there."

"Indeed."

She looked down at Solas. He had relaxed now that he was covered, but she wasn't sure that was actually a good sign.

He suddenly inhaled sharply and shivered. Then his lips moved, as if he was trying to say something. She leaned closer. She could only hear enough to know it was probably elven.

"Solas," she said softly. She rested her hand on his upper arm. She knew some elven, but not enough to fully communicate. "Ir abelas. Ane mal'eth." He paused, taking short, shallow breaths instead of moving his lips. It wasn't clear whether he heard her.

A loud thump startled her so badly she nearly slid off the couch. Much to her surprise, the guard had left his post. He threw another log in the fireplace, then struck a match and bent down to light the tinder. Soon, the room was bathed in gentle orange light and there was a steady warmth to chase away the draft.

"Thank you," she said earnestly. He didn't look at her as he went back to the door.

He cleared his throat. "Your servant. He is probably going to die."

Guinevere turned to face him. "How do you know that?"

"Magister Malchus warned us not to take anything from anyone we do not know to be one of our own.” His voice was tired, frustrated. “The elves here have a poison that only they know how to cure. Made it from the fish in the blasted alienage."

"We... Can't find an elf to get the cure from?"

He shook his head. "They will just kill you. The elves here are completely mad. They hate humans, and especially nobles. You are much safer here."

"But my servant is not."

He sighed. "You have a kind heart, my lady. The elves do not. They are the ones who poisoned your servant to begin with. They will not help you." She closed her eyes and turned back towards the fire. "The best you can do is try to reduce his pain."

She couldn't accept that. Again she tried to soothe Solas, speaking in slow, clunky elven, promising that he was safe, that he would be okay.

"Are you speaking elven?" The guard asked. He was audibly offended. "Why?"

"I am an ambassador," she said simply. "I speak many tongues."

The guard was quiet for a moment. When he spoke again, his voice was skeptical and tinged with disgust. "Is it true your Inquisitor is an elf?"

"Yes."

"Have you met her?" Guinevere nodded, and the guard scoffed. "An elf. Herald of Andraste my ass."

She didn't take his bait. "Magister Malchus thinks our Inquisition a blasphemy?"

"Oh, well," he stuttered, then cleared his throat. "It is not any of my business what he believes."

"You are not part of his household, then?"

"No. I am–” He stopped himself. “I shouldn't be telling you that."

The warmth of the fire eased her joints and drove the frost from her skin. She no longer needed the blanket to cover herself. "You are a mercenary, aren't you?"

"I..." He hesitated. She could almost hear him weighing his options. "Yes. But we've signed a contract, and we keep our oaths."

"Yes. An oath to a mage who worships the Blight." She looked over her shoulder. He was frozen, back against the door. Even without seeing his face, she could tell her words struck a chord with him. "You know that, don't you?"

"I... Have no idea what you're talking about."

She took a deep breath. "Since Magister Malchus arrived in the city, he has strongly encouraged the Duke to... Make improvements to the wells from which the people drink." He said nothing. She went on. "Have you noticed how silent the streets of Beacon Hills and the Old Orchard are? Did you see that most of the guests here are from other places? Why wouldn't the Duke invite his own neighbors to his event?"

"I don't know your southerner politics," he deflected.

"I have trouble believing that the streets could be so still even in a place as cursed as Marnas Pell." One of the logs in the fire collapsed. Solas stirred. She shushed him gently, soothingly, and ran her hand down his arm.

The guard left his post by the door. His voice fell, but he was close enough now she could hear him regardless. "What does the Blight have to do with the streets of Wycome?"

Solas shivered. She tucked the blanket in closer to his body. "At the bottom of each well in Beacon Hills and Old Orchard Lane is a sickly red glow. Magister Malchus told the Duke it was a special crystal that could purify the water. It is not." The floor creaked beneath the guard's weight. "It is a substance called red lyrium. And people who interact with it get very sick. It is a tool of Corypheus, who is himself one of the ancient Magisters that spurned the Maker and brought the Blight into the world."

Guinevere looked up at the guard. "Does that worry you?" She asked. "That you are oath-bound to a man who worships the cause of so much suffering? One of the very men who turned the Maker away from us?" He stared at her, uncertain, one hand gripping the hilt of his sword a little too hard.

"For what it is worth," she said, lowering her voice even further. "I cannot imagine Malchus can pay you better than the Inquisition can."

He looked away –towards the window, then to Solas, then to her.

"I do not know how to help," he whispered finally.

Relief bloomed in her chest and she let out a shaky breath. "I need to save my friend."

"I-- I told you, I do not know how to do that."

"But you are certain the poison did not come from the Magister's men?" He nodded. "If it is the work of the servants, we need to find one of them. The sooner the better."

"I... Okay. I can do that."

"Thank you. And here," she reached into a pocket of her dress and handed the guard four shining sovereigns. His eyes widened. “Use as much as it takes to bribe the servant, keep the rest for yourself. Do not hurt them, or they may just give you more of the poison.” The guard lingered a moment longer, uncertain. She licked her lips. “Tell them who it is for. They may be more sympathetic if you ask on our behalf.” She glanced at the door, silently urging him to go, then turned her eyes back to Solas.

As soon as she heard the soft click of the door closing behind him she collapsed onto Solas's half-sleeping body and breathed shakily with relief. Even if he couldn't find the antidote, at least they were alone now.

Guinevere counted her heartbeats. One, two, three, four, and on and on. She slowed her breaths, forced the smoke-scented air to fill her lungs. Then she eased herself back, and stood.

She went to the window and unlatched it, then thrust it open with a grunt. The sounds of the storm spilled inside. She leaned out, ignoring the rain on her neck and head. They were only on the second floor. But even if by some miracle she was able to get them both outside and safely to the ground, there was no guarantee they'd find their way somewhere safe.

A groan drifted from the couch. She went to Solas's side, leaving the window open, and saw his odd-colored eyes gleaming in the firelight.

"You're awake," she said, surprised and relieved. His skin was blotchy and covered in sweat, and though his eyes were barely open she could see rings of red around his violet-grey irises. "How are you feeling?"

He squeezed his eyes shut. She waited by his side a while longer, but he said nothing. Eventually she stood up again to add more wood to the fire.

"Why... are you doing this?" He said quietly, each word so quiet it was nearly swallowed by the wind.

She frowned and turned to look at him. "I'm helping you." Of course she was. Perhaps the poison was confusing him.

"But why?" He asked weakly.

Guinevere gave him a gentle smile. "We are working together." He frowned. "Besides, I think the Inquisitor would have my head if I let anything happen to you." She returned to his side, sitting on the edge of the couch again. "We keep each other safe, yes? That's why the Inquisitor sent both of us."

"You are... very kind," he mumbled.

She laughed and ran her fingers along his scalp again. He closed his eyes, and his features relaxed. "I think I am just as kind as I need to be, my friend."

translation notes — the lullaby - giovanni pontano's second iambic (pdf) "ane mal'eth." - you are safe.

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